Allaho was a fine winner of last season's Ryanair Chase; Envoi Allen was unbeaten before falling at Cheltenham and was similarly disappointing at Punchestown; he returned at Down Royal with an easy victory
Friday 19 November 2021 12:21, UK
Allaho and Envoi Allen could potentially lock horns in what would be a mouthwatering clash for the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
Allaho was a brilliant winner of the Ryanair Chase at last season's Cheltenham Festival and champion trainer Willie Mullins has already nominated the John Durkan as a potential comeback target.
If the seven-year-old does reappear on December 5, he would likely meet the Henry de Bromhead-trained Envoi Allen, who bounced back from a fall at Cheltenham and injury at Punchestown in the spring with a wide-margin success at Down Royal last month.
Both horses represent Cheveley Park Stud, whose director Richard Thompson said: "Envoi Allen going to go for the John Durkan, most probably - that's the idea.
"Rachael (Blackmore) felt that tremendous acceleration at Down Royal and she said the power he had was great. It was great to see him back on form.
"His next run will be a true test - Allaho might run against him."
Asked if he would prefer to keep the two Cheveley Park stars apart, he added: "I'm not too worried about it actually.
"If both trainers think they're ready to go and that is the right race for them, we'll let them run against each other and see what happens.
"Allaho is in the Tingle Creek as well. I think the John Durkan is probably the favourite, but I haven't spoken to Willie for a while so I'll catch up with him next week."
